Ginder LM, Porter NA, Subedi N, Singh J, Lalam RK, Tins BJ, Tyrrell PNM, Osman A, Cassar-Pullicino VN. MRI of inflammatory spondyloarthropathy following traumatic cauda equina syndrome.
Spinal Cord 2015;
53 Suppl 1:S6-9. [PMID:
25900290 DOI:
10.1038/sc.2014.190]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Spondyloarthropathy has been described radiographically in patients following paralysis from spinal cord trauma. Onset of these findings after cauda equina syndrome have not been reported previously. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance documentation of its early evolution has not been recorded.
PURPOSE
We report a case of early-onset spondyloarthropathy shown by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a patient with cauda equina syndrome due to bilateral sacral insufficiency fractures.
STUDY DESIGN
Unique case study review, one case.
METHODS
Review of the clinical case notes and imaging including initial and subsequent MR imaging.
RESULTS
The initial MRI of the lumbosacral spine showed bilateral sacral insufficiency fractures with a kyphotic deformity. The vertebral bodies were normal on the initial computed tomography and MRI studies, which did not reveal pre-existing features of sacroiliitis. The second MRI performed 5 months later clearly showed spondylitis at multiple vertebral levels with partial resolution 18 months post injury.
CONCLUSION
Spondyloarthropathy in patients with paralysis due to spinal cord injury is well documented in the English language literature, but until now this has not been demonstrated by MRI. It is a rare complication of traumatic cauda equina syndrome that commences soon after the traumatic event and can resolve spontaneously.
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